,o 


C| k  ^nttemtp  of  Chicago 

FOUNDED  BY  JOHN  D.  ROCKEFELLER 


ANNOUNCEMENTS 


Vol.  VIII  FEBRUARY,  1908  No.  1 


ASSISTANCE  TO  STUDENTS  AT 
THE  UNIVERSITY  OF  CHICAGO 


Published  five  times  a  year 
February,  March,  April,  May,  June 
THE  UNIVERSITY  OF  CHICAGO 
58th  Street  and  Ellis  Avenue 
CHICAGO,  ILL. 


Entered  February  28,  1907,  at  the  Post-office  at  Chicago,  Ill.,  as  second-class  matter, 


Digitized  by  the  Internet  Archive 
in  2018  with  funding  from 

University  of  Illinois  Urbana-Champaign  Alternates 


https://archive.org/details/assistancetostud00univ_0 


ASSISTANCE  TO  STUDENTS  AT  THE  UNIVERSITY 

OF  CHICAGO 

The  various  kinds  of  assistance  offered  by  the  University,  or  in  connection 
with  it,  may  be  classified  under  seven  heads:  (i)  Fellowships;  (2)  Scholarships; 
(3)  Prizes;  (4)  Remissions  of  Tuition;  (5)  University  Service;  (6)  Other  Service 
in  the  University;  (7)  The  Funds  of  Students’  Fund  Society;  (8)  Outside  Em¬ 
ployment. 

I.  FELLOWSHIPS 

The  University  bestows  annually  Fellowships  to  the  value  of  $21,500  in  the 
Graduate  Schools,  and  $2,700  in  the  Divinity  School.  Fellowships  range  from 
$120  (covering  tuition)  to  $520  ($400  besides  tuition).  Candidates  for  Fellow¬ 
ships  should  have  attained  proficiency  in  some  department;  and  should  have 
shown  promise  of  ability  in  research.  In  general,  it  is  expected  that  an  applicant 
for  a  Fellowship  will  have  spent  at  least  one  year  in  residence  study  in  some  insti¬ 
tution  of  good  standing  since  receiving  his  Bachelor’s  degree.  In  the  assignment 
of  Fellowships,  special  weight  is  given  to  evidence  of  ability  to  conduct  original 
investigation. 

The  University  provides  a  regular  form  on  which  applications  for  Fellowships 
are  made.  These  forms  are  sent  on  request.  Applications  should  be  addressed 
to  the  Deans  of  the  Graduate  Schools,  and  should  be  submitted  not  later  than 
March  1  of  the  year  preceding  the  academic  year  for  which  appointment  is  sought. 
The  annual  assignment  of  Fellowships  is  made  in  the  later  part  of  March,  at  the 
same  time  as  in  most  other  universities.  A  Fellowship  is  available  for  any  three 
of  the  four  quarters  of  the  year  beginning  in  June  following  the  date  of  appointment. 

The  University  asks  of  its  Fellows  a  modicum  of  service,  consisting  of  work 
(a)  as  an  instructor;  ( b )  as  an  assistant  in  reading  examination  papers;  (c)  as  an 
assistant  on  a  University  journal;  or  ( d )  as  an  assistant  in  one  of  the  departmental 
laboratories,  museums,  or  libraries.  In  no  case  is  a  Fellow  allowed  to  devote  so 
much  time  to  the  work  here  indicated,  as  to  interfere  seriously  with  his  own  study. 

Each  Fellow  makes  a  written  report  to  the  President  at  the  beginning  of 
each  quarter.  This  report  outlines  his  work  as  a  student,  and  the  work  assigned 
to  him  as  an  officer  of  the  University  for  the  current  quarter,  and  is  indorsed  by 
the  Head  of  the  Department  before  it  is  transmitted  to  the  President. 

II.  SCHOLARSHIPS 

Scholarships  are  divided  into  two  classes:  Honor  Scholarships  and  General 
Scholarships. 

Honor  Scholarships  in  the  Graduate  Schools  and  in  the  Senior  Colleges  are 
assigned  on  the  recommendation  of  departments.  Twenty  such  scholarships 
are  assigned  each  year  to  students  entering  the  Graduate  Schools  from  the  Senior 


3 


4 


THE  UNIVERSITY  OF  CHICAGO 


Colleges,  and  twelve  to  students  entering  the  Senior  Colleges  from  the  Junior 
Colleges.  There  are  also  a  limited  number  of  Honor  Scholarships  assigned  on 
entrance  to  the  University,  for  excellence  of  work  in  preparation  for  college. 

Holders  of  Honor  Scholarships  who  maintain  high  standing  in  their  University 
work,  may  secure  a  renewal  of  the  scholarship  for  the  second  year.  No  service 
is  required  of  holders  of  Honor  Scholarships. 

General  Scholarships  are  assigned  to  applicants  who  have  attained  distinction 
in  their  work.  They  are  intended  especially  for  students  who  need  financial 
assistance.  Holders  of  General  Scholarships  are,  as  a  rule,  expected  to  render 
the  University  a  limited  amount  of  service  for  the  aid  which  they  receive.  This 
service  is  usually  in  libraries,  but  is  not  so  restricted. 

Applications  for  scholarships  are  made  to  the  Deans  of  the  several  Schools  and 
Colleges. 

III.  TUITION  FEE  PRIZES 

A  number  of  prizes  are  awarded  annually  by  the  University.  In  the  Junior 
Colleges  declamation  and  debating  contests  are  held  during  each  of  three  quarters 
of  the  year.  Each  of  the  successful  contestants  each  quarter  receives  a  scholarship 
yielding  the  amount  of  the  University  tuition  fees  for  one  quarter. 

The  value  of  $480  in  scholarships  is  awarded  annually  to  winners  of  the 
University  debate,  in  the  contest  for  the  University  debating  team.  To  the  winners 
of  the  University  oratorical  contest  for  the  selection  of  a  representative  of  the 
University  in  the  contest  of  the  Northern  Oratorical  League,  scholarships  to  the 
value  of  $240  are  awarded.  Tuition- j ee  prizes  may  be  used  only  jor  payment  of 
fees  due  after  the  date  of  award,  and  not  to  cancel  notes  or  meet  deferred  payments. 

IV.  REMISSIONS  OF  TUITION 

The  Board  of  Trustees  has  authorized  remissions  of  tuition  for  a  limited 
number  of  students  who  are  in  need  of  financial  aid.  Such  remission  is  granted 
only  to  students  whose  scholarship  is  creditable.  As  a  rule,  the  remission  will 
not  exceed  three-fourths  of  the  tuition,  but  in  special  cases  this  proportion  may 
be  increased. 

Students  whose  tuition  is  remitted,  either  wholly  or  in  part,  are  expected  to 
render  the  University  some  service  in  return.  This  service  is  usually  in  connection 
with  libraries;  but  students  receiving  this  assistance  must  be  ready  to  perform 
any  service  which  the  University  may  ask  of  them.  In  special  cases,  the  Deans 
administering  the  remission  of  tuition  have  power  to  exempt  students  from  any 
part  or  all  of  the  service  ordinarily  required. 

Applicants  for  remission  of  tuition  fill  out  a  duplicate  blank  furnished  by  the 
Deans,  stating  their  reasons  for  the  application,  and  giving  such  other  information 
as  is  deemed  necessary.  In  the  case  of  minors,  one  of  the  applications  may  be 
forwarded  to  parents  or  guardian,  before  the  assignment  is  made. 

All  applications  for  remission  of  tuition  are  made  to  the  Dean  under  whom  the 
student  is  registered. 


ANNOUNCEMENTS 


5 


V.  UNIVERSITY  SERVICE 

Another  means  of  assistance  to  students  consists  of  University  Service.  Stu¬ 
dents  who  receive  assignments  to  such  service  work  a  limited  number  of  hours  as 
clerks  or  messengers  in  the  various  offices  of  the  University,  and  are  remunerated 
at  a  rate  varying  from  twenty  to  thirty  cents  per  hour,  according  to  the  nature  of 
the  work.  Compensation  takes  the  form  of  a  voucher  covering  the  whole  or  part 
of  the  quarterly  tuition  fee.  In  general,  no  student  receives  an  appointment  who 
has  not  been  a  member  of  the  University  for  at  least  one  quarter,  and  paid  Univer¬ 
sity  fees  in  full  for  this  period.  A  creditable  record  in  studies,  and  faithful  per¬ 
formance  of  work  assigned,  are  also  conditions  of  University  Service,  and  it  is 
understood  that  an  assignment  may  be  cancelled  at  any  time  for  failure  in  either 
of  these  respects.  Applications  must  be  filed  at  the  Office  of  Information  and 
Exchange  at  least  three  weeks  before  the  opening  of  the  quarter  in  which  service  is 
to  be  rendered.  Applications  are  submitted  to  the  Deans  for  approval. 

VI.  OTHER  SERVICE  IN  THE  UNIVERSITY 

Remissions  of  tuition  to  the  amount  of  $1,200  are  granted  to  the  University 
Choir,  each  person  receiving  a  portion  or  all  of  his  tuition  fees,  according  to  his 
ability.  Members  of  the  University  Band  receive  help  in  a  similar  way,  the  appro¬ 
priation  for  tuition  for  members  amounting  to  more  than  $2,500.  Thus  there  is 
a  special  opportunity  at  the  University  for  persons  of  musical  talent  to  defray  a 
portion  of  their  expenses.  Inquiries  on  these  points  may  be  addressed  to  the 
Director  of  the  University  Choir,  and  the  Director  of  the  University  Band,  the 
University  of  Chicago. 

Another  source  of  income  for  students  is  waiting  on  table  in  the  Men’s  Com¬ 
mons,  the  compensation  being  furnished  in  board.  The  rate  of  compensation 
for  this  service  is  twenty  cents  an  hour. 

VII.  THE  STUDENTS’  FUND  SOCIETY 

As  a  rule,  the  University  does  not  encourage  students  to  borrow  money. 
There  are  cases,  however,  where  this  may  be  done  wisely.  For  such  cases,  limited 
provision  is  made  by  the  Students’  Fund  Society,  composed  of  a  number  of  citizens 
of  Chicago,  who  work  in  co-operation  with  representatives  of  the  University. 
This  society  makes  loans  to  students  upon  the  joint  recommendation  of  its  own 
committee  and  the  committee  of  the  faculty. 

Students  are  not  eligible  for  loans  until  they  have  been  members  of  the  Univer¬ 
sity  for  at  least  one  quarter,  and  have  made  creditable  records  as  students.  Appli¬ 
cations  are  considered  by  the  committee  of  the  faculty  at  the  end  of  each  quarter; 
but  in  order  that  the  necessary  preliminary  information  may  be  secured,  all  appli¬ 
cations  for  loans  to  be  granted  in  any  quarter  must  be  submitted  at  least  a  month 
in  advance.  Application  blanks,  which  may  be  secured  at  the  Bureau  of  Infor¬ 
mation  and  Exchange,  should  be  filled  out  in  duplicate,  and  deposited  with  the 
President’s  Secretary.  In  addition,  each  applicant  should  consult  personally 
with  the  chairman  of  the  faculty  committee,  Professor  J.  Laurence  Laughlin. 


6 


THE  UNIVERSITY  OF  CHICAGO 


Failure  to  consult  with  the  chairman  is  sufficient  reason  for  the  rejection  of  an 
application. 

VHL  OUTSIDE  EMPLOYMENT 

The  University  of  Chicago  is  situated  in  a  city  where  opportunities  for  employ¬ 
ment  are  many.  It  follows,  therefore,  that  a  large  number  of  students,  both  men 
and  women,  are  able  to  earn  a  part  of  their  expenses  by  outside  work,  if  they  have 
the  requisite  energy  and  ability.  Among  the  kinds  of  employment  which  such 
students  have  found  are  the  following:  tutoring;  clerical  work;  typewriting  and 
stenography;  draughting;  bookkeeping;  collecting  accounts;  work  in  railway 
stations;  operating  stereopticons;  lighting  street  lamps;  carrying  newspapers; 
canvassing  for  City  Telephone  Co.;  operating  night  telephone  switch-board; 
canvassing  for  City  Directory;  work  for  express  companies;  clerking  on  Satur¬ 
days  and  holidays  in  stores;  waiting  on  table;  housework;  caring  for  lawns  and 
furnaces;  night  clerking  in  hotels;  packing  books  and  furniture;  operating  soda 
fountains;  addressing  and  mailing  circulars;  posting  advertisements;  ushering 
in  theaters;  janitor  work;  caring  for  children;  moving  and  dusting  books; 
wheeling  invalids;  carrying  meals  to  invalids;  work  in  newspaper  offices;  work 
as  chauffeurs;  work  as  companion;  work  in  post-office;  pen-work  copying; 
decorating  halls  for  entertainments;  serving  at  polls  on  election  day;  assisting 
photographers;  other  miscellaneous  work. 

Persons  of  special  skill,  as  stenographers,  operators  of  stereopticons,  photog¬ 
raphers,  etc.,  have  an  advantage  over  those  without  special  training.  But 
experience  has  proved  that  students  of  ability  and  persistence  may  succeed,  even 
without  initial  skill  in  any  one  line. 

A  word  should  be  said  in  regard  to  tutoring.  This  work  is  under  the  special 
supervision  of  the  University,  which  aims  to  protect  students  from  incompetent 
guidance.  To  this  end,  the  Board  of  Recommendations  keeps  on  file  a  list  of 
official  tutors  who  have  been  indorsed  by  the  Heads  of  Departments  in  which 
they  offer  instruction.  Persons  desiring  pupils  should  invariably  obtain  this 
indorsement  and  formally  register  with  the  Board,  and  persons  needing  the  assist¬ 
ance  of  tutors,  should,  in  their  own  interests,  require  this  formality  of  tutors  whom 
they  engage. 

In  general,  students  may  be  greatly  aided  in  finding  employment  by  availing 
themselves  of  the  services  of  the  University  Employment  Bureau,  which  is  con¬ 
ducted  without  charge  either  to  employers  or  employees.  This  Bureau  keeps, 
on  the  one  hand,  a  register  of  students  who  come  to  it  seeking  employment,  and 
on  the  other,  a  list  of  positions.  By  letters  addressed  to  employers  stating  the 
opportunity  which  the  Employment  Bureau  affords  them  to  obtain  capable  help, 
and  by  personal  interviews  and  applications,  the  Manager  of  the  Bureau  seeks  to 
maintain  and  increase  the  number  of  positions  which  are  open  to  University 
students. 

The  Bureau  has  been  able  to  aid  a  considerable  number  of  women  to  find 
employment  in  house  work,  the  care  of  children,  as  companions,  etc. 


ANNOUNCEMENTS 


7 


SUMMARY 

The  means  of  assistance  to  students  are  summarized  in  the  following  table: 
Fellowships  University  service 

Scholarships  Other  service  in  the  University 

Prizes  The  Students’  Fund  Society 

Remissions  of  tuition  Outside  employment 

Although  the  aggregate  of  assistance  to  students  is  large,  employment  cannot 
be  guaranteed,  and  no  amount  of  organization  can  take  the  place  of  energy  and 
economy  in  the  student  himself.  Every  student  must  bear  the  chief  burden  of 
his  own  support,  and  of  this  burden  no  organization  can  relieve  him.  Few 
students  are  equal  to  the  task  of  carrying  on  University  work  successfully,  and  at 
the  same  time  earning  sufficient  money  to  meet  all  their  expenses.  It  is  especially 
important  that  students  coming  to  the  University  for  the  first  time  have  sufficient 
money  to  meet  their  expenses  for  a  few  months  at  least.  The  opportunities  for 
earning  money  increase  as  students  become  acquainted  with  the  city  and  prove 
themselves  efficient. 


